Shine Like a Sunshine

What you'll need

Child seated comfortably at table or on floor with hard surface. Paper and crayons available, including orange and yellow. Parent positioned to demonstrate and assist. Workspace should be well-lit.

How it works

1. 1~45s

   Start by drawing a circle on your paper — make it nice and round like a sun. Show your child how you start at the top and go all the way around. Now invite your child to try. Watch how they holds the crayon — is they using a tripod grip with thumb and two fingers, or another grip? Also notice if your child attempts to make a circular motion. Tell me what you observe.

   Watch for: Child holds writing tool with appropriate grip — thumb and two fingers (tripod) or developing functional grip.

2. 2~50s

   Now let's focus on the circle itself. Ask your child to try drawing a circle like yours. Watch the shape they creates — does it close completely? Is it round or more angular? Notice if your child looks at your circle and then tries to match it, or if they draws independently. The goal is copying, not tracing. What kind of circle does your child produce?

   Watch for: Child attempts to copy a circle shape without tracing, showing developing shape representation and fine motor control.

3. 3~60s

   Now let's make our circles shine! Give your child the orange and yellow crayons and encourage them to color in the circles. Watch how they approaches coloring — does they switch between colors? Does they adjust their grip or pressure for filling in versus outlining? Notice if your child stays within the lines or colors more freely. Tell me about their coloring technique.

   Watch for: Child adjusts coloring technique based on task — may vary pressure, stroke direction, or grip when coloring versus drawing.

What this develops

• ◆Milestone
  Fine Motor Precision and Control

  Movementprimary
• ◆Milestone
  Hand-Eye Coordination

  Movementsecondary

Visual example